Tasmanian Fishing Report 12/5/2022

Tasmanian Fishing ReportStore NewsTasmanian Trout Fishing

12 May

Written By Samuel Shelley

More Swords than the knights of the round table?

With weather windows opening the Tuna and Swords are on the chew.

Saltwater

Swordfish

So far, the last week has been fantastic. Most boats have encountered bits, hook ups and a few landing fish.

A lot of hard work goes into fishing for Swordfish, form hook choice, bait preparation to time on water. The lead up to the full moon seems to be the most productive time for the fishery in Tasmania.

Sword Tackle

Most anglers are choosing 50w to 80w Reels and 37kg bent butt stroker game rods.

Line: 80lb braid (800m – 1500m) PR Knott to a 37kg top shot of mono from 150m to 50m

Hooks: Circles 12/0 -20/0 and J Hooks 10/0 – 12/0 Depending on brand.

Leader: 300lb to 400lb wind on leader and a 2m 300-400lb leader to the bait.

Lights: 2 x Diamond LED lights Blue and multi being the most popular and one larger main light

Bait: The presentation of the bait is very important and there are some fantastic videos on YouTube to help. Squid, Mackerel, Tuna and most fish can be used.

Break Away weight: A flat large rock works best with a single light rubber band tapped to it then looped around the hook. Once the bait is on the bottom the weight can be broken away for the rig.

Fishing Locations

Depth: 400m – 700m

Features: Drop off, Canyons, Bait, Currents and change of contours.

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Bream

The East Coast and Derwent have fished fairly well over the last week, The rain has slowed this a little. The Derwent has still been fishing fairly well, with a fish caught in the middle sections.

Tuna

The Bluefin fishing has returned over the last week, Anglers reporting good numbers along the East Coast. School tuna around the 20kg have been caught in good numbers the larger models have been seen breaking the surface feeding but have been harder to get to bite.

Australian Salmon

The salmon have been widely reported, along the east coast and Derwent estuary. Some big fish were caught off Pirates Bay over the weekend.

Snapper

The Snapper fishing has been fantastic though limited due weather windows. Good numbers of smaller fish to 40cm and the odd larger to 70cm have been caught around Betsy Island and Norfolk Bay.

Calamari

The East Coast has really started to produce fantastic sized squid over the last week. The bays around Southern Maria have been the standout.

Mackerel

The Mackerel haven’t stopped over the last few months and don’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon.

Freshwater

Derwent River

Searun Trout have slowed a little this week with the river dirty and fresh levels still around.

Great Lake

This has continued to fish well over the last week, with trout getting caught close to shore and on fly and lures over the last week. Todds Corner has been a great spot with both healthy Brown and Rainbow Trout caught.

Dee Lagoon

Has been fishing well for both the lure and fly angler. The fish have been in good condition, Station Bay and around Duck Bay.